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Scoring an ODI century in both India and Pakistan is a testament to a batter’s adaptability and class. The subcontinent offers some of the most challenging playing conditions in world cricket, with India known for its spin-friendly surfaces and high-scoring encounters, while Pakistan’s pitches can vary from flat tracks to ones that assist pacers with reverse swing.
To notch up centuries in both nations, a batter must possess excellent technique, composure under pressure, and the ability to adjust to different types of bowling attacks. Given the historical rivalry and intense atmosphere surrounding matches in these countries, such performances become even more special.
New Zealand’s batting greats who conquered India and Pakistan
For New Zealand, a country that has produced several world-class cricketers, only a select few have managed to etch their names in this exclusive list. Among the distinguished names in New Zealand cricket, Kane Williamson stands out as one of the finest batters of his generation, seamlessly adapting to different playing conditions. His ability to anchor the innings, counter spin, and play with finesse against both pace and swing makes him a formidable presence in any lineup.
However, he is not alone in this elite group. A few other Blackcaps batters have also demonstrated remarkable consistency and adaptability, showcasing their skill in two of the most demanding cricketing nations. Their centuries in India and Pakistan reflect not just their individual brilliance but also their ability to perform under pressure, making them key assets for New Zealand in global tournaments and bilateral series alike.
New Zealand players to score ODI centuries in both India and Pakistan
1. Devon Conway
- Century Against Pakistan – Karachi ODI, January 11, 2023
Devon Conway delivered a match-winning century in the 2nd ODI against Pakistan in Karachi. His 101 off 92 balls was the backbone of New Zealand’s total of 261. He played with a mix of controlled aggression and stroke play, countering Pakistan’s bowling attack effectively. His innings set the foundation for New Zealand, who later bowled out Pakistan for 182, securing a 79-run victory. Conway was named Player of the Match for his composed yet attacking approach that dismantled Pakistan’s bowling lineup.
- Fighting Knock Against India – Indore ODI, January 24, 2023
In the 3rd ODI against India in Indore, Conway played a brilliant lone hand, scoring 138 off 100 balls in a high-scoring chase. While wickets fell regularly around him, Conway maintained a high strike rate (138.00) and hit 12 fours and 8 sixes. Despite his valiant effort, New Zealand fell short, bowled out for 295 while chasing 386. His innings stood out as one of the finest counter-attacks against India’s bowling attack, proving his ability to excel under pressure.
- Unbeaten Century against England – ODI World Cup, October 5 2023
England, after being put into bat, managed to post 282/9 in 50 overs. Joe Root played a composed innings, scoring 77 off 86 balls, but lacked support from other batters. Skipper Jos Buttler contributed 43 (42), while Harry Brook made a quick 25 (16). Chasing 283, New Zealand lost Will Young for a golden duck, but Devon Conway (152 not out off 121) and Rachin Ravindra (123 not out off 96) dominated England’s bowling. The duo stitched together an unbeaten 273-run stand, ensuring a comfortable victory in just 36.2 overs. Conway hit 19 fours and 3 sixes, while Ravindra played an equally aggressive knock with 11 fours and 5 sixes.
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- Century against India – ODI World Cup semifinal, November 15
This match was a high-scoring thriller, with India securing a 70-run victory over New Zealand to book their spot in the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. India posted a massive 397/4 in 50 overs, thanks to brilliant knocks from Virat Kohli (117 off 113), Shreyas Iyer (105 off 70) and a quickfire start by Rohit Sharma (47 off 29). Shubman Gill contributed 80 off 66, retiring hurt. KL Rahul‘s late blitz (39 not out off 20) ensured India maximized their total. Chasing 398, New Zealand fought hard, led by Daryl Mitchell’s 134 off 119 and Kane Williamson’s 69 off 73, but Mohammed Shami’s career-best 7/57 dismantled the Kiwi lineup. He took crucial wickets at regular intervals, ensuring New Zealand fell short at 327 in 48.5 overs.
- Hundred against India – ODI World Cup 2023, October 22
India secured a four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the 2023 World Cup clash at Dharamsala, chasing down 274 with 12 balls to spare. Shami starred with the ball, taking 5/54, while Mitchell’s brilliant 130 off 127 balls anchored New Zealand’s innings.
Ravindra also contributed with a solid 75, but India’s bowlers struck at crucial moments to restrict them to 273. In the chase, Kohli played a pivotal 95-run knock, supported by Rohit’s 46 and Iyer’s 33. Despite a late wobble, Ravindra Jadeja’s unbeaten 39 guided India home. Lockie Ferguson and Trent Boult picked up key wickets, but India’s depth ensured a composed finish. With this win, India maintained their unbeaten run in the tournament.
- Century in vain against Pakistan – Rawalpindi ODI, April 2023
Pakistan registered a commanding five-wicket victory over New Zealand in the first ODI at Rawalpindi, successfully chasing down 289 with nine balls to spare. Fakhar Zaman played a match-winning knock of 117 off 114 balls, anchoring the chase with a composed century. Imam-ul-Haq contributed a solid 60, while skipper Babar Azam added 49, keeping the momentum in Pakistan’s favor. Rizwan’s unbeaten 42 ensured there were no late hiccups. Earlier, New Zealand posted 288/7, powered by Mitchell’s impressive 113 and Will Young’s fluent 86. Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf took two wickets each, restricting New Zealand from reaching a bigger total.
- Consecutive hundred against Pakistan – Rawalpindi ODI, April 2023
Pakistan secured a commanding seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in the second ODI at Rawalpindi, chasing down 337 with 10 balls to spare. Zaman played a sensational knock, scoring an unbeaten 180 off 144 balls, anchoring the chase with impeccable stroke play. Babar Azam contributed a crucial 65, while Mohammad Rizwan‘s quickfire 54* ensured a smooth finish. Earlier, New Zealand posted 336/5, powered by Mitchell’s 129 and Tom Latham‘s 98. Rauf was the pick of the bowlers, taking 4/78. Pakistan’s top-order dominance overshadowed New Zealand’s effort, sealing a 2-0 series lead.
3. Kane Williamson
- Match winning hundred against India – Kolta ODI, 2016
New Zealand edged past India by six runs in a thrilling second ODI in Delhi on October 20, 2016. Batting first, New Zealand posted 242/9, with captain Kane Williamson leading from the front with a brilliant 118 off 128 balls. Umesh Yadav and Amit Mishra impressed with the ball, picking up crucial wickets to restrict the visitors. In response, India struggled despite a fighting 70 from Kedar Jadhav and a composed 39 from MS Dhoni. Tim Southee and Boult delivered in the death overs, ensuring India fell short at 236 in 49.3 overs. Williamson was named Player of the Match for his match-winning century.
- Match winning century against Pakistan – Lahore ODI, 2025
New Zealand secured a six-wicket victory over South Africa in the second match of the Pakistan Tri-Nation Series in Lahore on February 10, 2025. South Africa posted a strong total of 304/6, with key contributions from their top order. However, Kane Williamson anchored New Zealand’s chase brilliantly, scoring an unbeaten 133 off 113 balls. His composed innings, supported by partnerships with other batters, guided New Zealand to victory in 48.4 overs. South Africa’s bowlers struggled to contain Williamson’s masterclass, as he timed the chase perfectly. With eight balls to spare, New Zealand comfortably sealed the win. Williamson was named Player of the Match for his exceptional knock.
